The Brief: Zoom now has customizable video backgrounds. Here's a selection of videos to spice up your next Zoom call.

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DEEP DIVE

Zoom’s virtual video background feature allows users to add a video behind them with or without a green screen. Here’s how to add a video background on your next Zoom call with videos downloaded on your computer. While Zoom has several options for video backgrounds on their website, we’ve compiled a set of options that range from relaxing footage to iconic memes.

Video Backgrounds

If you’re looking for something simple like scenes from nature, city streets, or world landmarks, free stock footage sites can be a great resource. If you’re looking for something zestier like a Bob Ross video, Coachella crowds, or the psychedelic sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey, check out these options. Since the videos won’t have sound as backgrounds, focus on the visuals rather than the audio.

Backgrounds for Zoom calls should qualify as fair use, but be sure to read up on the rules around downloading YouTube videos.

Meme Backgrounds

Rickroll everyone in your group call with Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video:

In honor of the Pickle Rick “funniest s**t I’ve ever seen” copypasta meme, use the opening scene from the Pickle Rick episode of Rick and Morty as a background:

Joe Exotic’s “Here Kitty Kitty” music video which was featured in Tiger King:

Tunak Tunak Tun is always a good time…

The opening sequence of Shrek, featuring “All Star” by Smash Mouth needs no explanation.

For Club Penguin fans:

Ya like jazz?

For still images, check out our favorite meme backgrounds to use in Zoom calls.